Hops, essential to brewing, have played a significant role in Southwark's commercial past with the Hop Exchange located next to the market.

Now in 2013 hops are being grown as one of the many activities taking place in the new market hall.

Five students from the Notre Dame RC Girls' School – also members of the Southwark Young Pilgrims project – lent a helping hand, planting two varieties – the Fuggle hop and Wye Challenger – on hop screens that line the glass facade of the Market Hall.

"We went into the new building to learn about the history of the market and had a talk about hops," said teacher Teresa Crowley.

"We then spent time planting the hops – this was a wonderful experience which we all joined in enthusiastically, and we hope to return to help harvest them in September.

"We all enjoyed our visit, and hope this is the first of many trips to the market by students from Notre Dame School".